Researchers have shared details of an outbreak at a funeral in Uganda that killed three young people.
They have detailed an outbreak that occurred in February 2024 in Buyengo Town Council, Jinja District, after mourners attended a multi-day funeral in Bukasami village. The findings were published in BMC Infectious Diseases.
The deceased was a religious leader whose funeral attracted more than 1,000 attendees. Shortly after shared meals were served, dozens of people developed gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with foodborne illness.
Investigators identified 65 cases and three deaths. The fatalities included a 4-year-old boy, a 6-year-old girl from the same family, and a 20-year-old man. The median age of patients was 20 years, and common symptoms were abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
Health officials reported that the three individuals who died sought medical care more than 12 to 24 hours after symptoms began. By the time they were admitted, they were severely dehydrated. Limited medical supplies at local treatment centers may also have contributed to the poor outcomes.
Laboratory testing revealed the presence of Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas caviae in a stool sample from one deceased child. Water from the Kabakubya stream, the main water source used during food preparation, tested positive for Aeromonas hydrophila. Other common foodborne pathogens, including Shigella, E. coli, Salmonella, Vibrio cholerae, and Campylobacter, were ruled out.
The outbreak investigation highlighted several contributing factors:
Food samples were unavailable for testing because leftovers had been discarded by the time investigators arrived four days later. Toxicological tests were negative, and criminal investigations limited access to suppliers and some food handlers.
Aeromonas bacteria typically cause foodborne illness within 12 hours to seven days after exposure, most commonly within 24 to 48 hours.
Source: NTVUganda